Hire a boat in Amsterdam with or without a licence

Discover Amsterdam by boat

Fans of Venice will fall in love with Amsterdam, a quaint Dutch city decorated with an intricate canal system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which attracts thousands of tourists every year. With a boat hire in Amsterdam, you can explore the labyrinth of canals and bridges and discover various canal routes such as the Rainbow route, Berkageroute, Plantation route and the iconic Red Light District route. 

Take a break from the city and sail around the freshwater lakes of Marker Wadden and Markermeer, or go island hopping around the Westelijke and Oostelijke Islands. Hire a boat in Amsterdam, fall in love with its charm and learn why it is one of the most popular European cities for tourism.

What type of boat is best for a yacht charter in Amsterdam?

If you are considering a rental in Amsterdam but are unsure about which type of vessel to choose, the answer will depend on the sort of holiday you’re looking to have. For a shorter boat trip, you might want to hire a RIB or a motorboat, as they go faster than other vessels, which makes it possible to travel long distances on a time crunch.

If you’re an avid sailor you might like to hire a sailboat in order to get the authentic sailing experience. For people who are prone to seasickness, it is recommended to hire a catamaran, as they are double-hulled and more stable than other vessels. 

Finally, if you’re looking to have a holiday on the water that the whole family can enjoy, hiring a houseboat is a good choice as they are spacious, and they include amenities that can accommodate everyone in the group. The other great thing about houseboats is that they typically have heat on board, making them the perfect choice for cruising through the canals in chilly weather. 

Below are a list of boat types for hire in Amsterdam: 

Whichever type of boat you choose, Click&Boat has got what you need to plan the sailing trip of a lifetime!

How much does it cost for boat hire in Amsterdam?

If you want to rent a boat in Amsterdam, the price will differ depending on a number of factors such as the time of year, how many people are on board and the size and type of vessel you choose. The bareboat rental price is also different from that of a skippered vessel. The average price of boat hire in Amsterdam is £800 per day. Below are some starting prices of a boat hire in Amsterdam by boat type.

What is included in the cost?

At Click&Boat, customers have the flexibility to rent boats with or without a skipper or crew. It is recommended to contact the boat owner to inquire about any extra amenities that may come with the rental, such as fuel and water sports equipment. Usually the price of fuel is an additional cost and depends on the amount you consume.

What season is the best to charter a yacht in Amsterdam?

Amsterdam is classified as an oceanic climate which is characterised by warm, pleasant summers and cold, dry winters. 

The best time for a yacht charter in Amsterdam is in the spring between March and May. During these months the average temperature is 12°C with low humidity and precipitation, the perfect conditions for a smooth sailing getaway! Tulips also bloom in the springtime, which makes Amsterdam a very sought-after spring destination.

Where to hire a boat in Amsterdam?

There are plenty of marinas located in the heart of Amsterdam in which you can securely dock your boat hire, but be aware that mooring your vessel in the city costs money. You’ll have to pay a harbour fee or “binnenhavengeld” if you wish to dock in the city centre. Some popular marinas include: 

Sixhaven Jachthaven: Approximately 23km from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Den Helder Yacht Marina: Approximately 84km from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)
Boating Club Amsterdam: Approximately 21km from Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS)

These marinas offer secure docking, modern facilities, and are easily accessible, catering to boating enthusiasts in central Amsterdam and Den Helder.

Where to sail on your yacht charter in Amsterdam?

Sailing in Amsterdam offers diverse routes for an enriching experience:

Start with the iconic Amsterdam Canals, where you can enjoy historic architecture and vibrant city life. 
Navigate through the Amstel River for a scenic journey past picturesque countryside and charming villages like Ouderkerk aan de Amstel. 
For a taste of open water, head to the IJsselmeer, a large lake ideal for sailing, with destinations like Marken and Volendam, known for their traditional Dutch culture and seafood. 
Alternatively, explore the North Sea Canal, which connects Amsterdam to the North Sea, offering a mix of urban and natural landscapes. 

Each route provides unique views and a blend of urban excitement and serene nature, making boat hire in Amsterdam a versatile and memorable adventure.

Hire a boat in Amsterdam with or without a skipper ?

At Click&Boat we’ve got a large fleet of vessels ready for hire including bareboat rentals and those which include a skipper or crew on board. We always recommend having a skipper on board your private boat hire in order to have a relaxing and worry-free holiday. Skippers will handle all of the boating logistics and the best part is that they are usually locals who can show you all of the hidden spots in Amsterdam and surrounding areas! Even if you have a boating licence a skipper can add an extra sense of security to your sailing trip and they can even show you some tips and tricks for navigating the vessel. Hire a boat with a skipper in Amsterdam for an unforgettable trip!

What to see and do on your boat hire in Amsterdam?

There’s so much to see and do in Amsterdam and because so much of the city is surrounded by water, a boat hire is the best way to get around and take everything in. Whether you’re looking for something cultural, relaxed or full of excitement, you’ll find it in Amsterdam. Here are some cool things to do in the city of Amsterdam:

Get a taste of culture on the Museumplein, home to world-renowned museums like Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Stedelijk Museum of Modern Art. Further explore the Oud Zuid neighbourhood and see the open-air art exhibitions and green squares where you can sit back, and relax.

Stroll around the streets of Jordaan, one of the nicest neighbourhoods in the city centre. Here you’ll find an array of cafes, restaurants, bars and quiet courtyards perfect for sitting and chatting with locals.

Cruise one of the Amsterdam canals and see the picturesque architecture, hundreds of floating houseboats and over 1,500 bridges, which is four times as many as the city of Venice!

Take a day trip to Zandvoort aan Zee, and relax on the golden sands of Amsterdam’s beach.